AI robot touted as future English-learning tool for Japanese kids

Japan has long been criticized for its low level of English, but children could soon become more proficient in the language just by chit-chatting with an artificially intelligent robot.

At least that’s the idea from AKA, a Korean startup based in the United States that is set to officially begin marketing educational robot “Musio” in Japan next spring.

“The way Musio communicates and its correct pronunciation will make users feel as if they were living in a different country,” said AKA executive Brian Lee during a preview demonstration to media in Tokyo this week.

According to the company, the goal is to provide a natural English-speaking environment for children in nonnative speaking countries.

AKA says the robot, which has short legs, pointed ears and droopy arms, will serve as a useful tool for Japanese learners as it requires users to pronounce English correctly.

The release of Musio, which has an Android-based “brain” that allows it to communicate, also comes as Japan tries to boost English competency ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games.

Using artificial intelligence with information from big data, Musio can communicate through speaking, text, facial expressions and gestures.